Dating culture and country

Both names derive from the common language, Sotho, which was spoken by the many groups which united to form the nation in the early 1800s.Lesotho is often referred to as "The Kingdom in the Sky" or "The Switzerland of southern Africa" because of the stark beauty of its rugged mountainous terrain.

A long rainy season during the summer months (December to February) combined with freezing conditions in the winter (June to August) creates adverse travel conditions which isolate much of the highland areas.Moshoeshoe appealed to Great Britain for protection and the remaining area became a British protectorate.In 1966 the nation gained independence and the constitutional monarchy of Lesotho was established.It is also described as "The Hostage State" due to the unfortunate situation of being completely surrounded by and dependent upon the Republic of South Africa. Covering 11,718 square miles (30,355 square kilometers), the Kingdom of Lesotho is approximately the size of Maryland.The area is ruggedly mountainous, landlocked, and completely surrounded by The Republic of South Africa.